Floyd Named to Bednarik Watch List

Cody Jones

07/09/2012

The Bednarik Award released its preseason watch list of 66 players on Monday morning. It's given to the best defensive player in the country. Florida defensive lineman Sharrif Floyd was the team's only player on the list.

After missing the first two games in 2011 because of NCAA suspension, Sharrif Floyd was sixth on the team with 46 total tackles. He was also sixth on the team with 6.5 tackles for a loss. Floyd had 1.5 sacks, one pass breakup and four quarterback hurries. He also blocked a kick.

Floyd played his freshman year at defensive tackle and was a force on the interior of the line. In 2011, Will Muschamp and the Florida coaching staff thought it was best for the team if Floyd moved outside to defensive end. He was an anchor on the outside of the line, but Florida didn't get the pass rush it wanted with the 305-pound lineman on the edge.

His position this season is still to be determined. Muschamp mentioned that they realize Floyd is better suited at defensive tackle, but if the Gators struggle to find bodies to be effective at defensive end, Floyd could find himself back on the edge.